LS400 vs LS430 vs Toyota Avalon: Which is Best?
Daily Slideshow: Toyota and Lexus build some amazing vehicles. Here's some help choosing the right one for your needs.
Decisions, Decisions
Life is full of difficult choices, especially in the vast world of automobiles. Fans of Lexus and parent company Toyota have many great cars to choose from, especially if you're in the market for a used vehicle. But there's just one problem - there are so many great choices that it's easy to become indecisive and have a hard time figuring out which one is the best. And that's exactly the problem that Club Lexus member leisinjp faced recently, so he decided to go to the forums for some help.
Tough Choice
In this case, our OP is trying to choose between three different cars - the 2013+ Toyota Avalon and either a 3rd or 4th gen Lexus LS. But after driving each one, the decision is proving rather difficult to make. "I honestly can not make up my mind," the OP admits. I like each car for different reasons and don't know which one to pick!!"
Breaking It Down
Despite the OP's overly complicated reasoning behind his purchase, TriC does a great job breaking it all down. "It really sounds like an Avalon would best suit your needs. More generally, when in such a situation, I just keep my eyes open and buy the highest quality car among a pre-selected group that my budget permits."
Simplification Works
The same goes for All4Lexus, for does a fantastic job of simplifying the decision based on each car's unique attributes. "It really comes down what you seek out of the car and will enjoy. Want a luxury cruiser - get the LS460. Want a reliable runner from pre-iPhone electronics era? Get the LS430. The value car is the 2013 Avalon, and it may just be the right size for you."
Comes Down to Cost
Surprisingly enough for a Lexus forum, SW17LS also thinks Toyota is the best bet for our OP. "I would cross off the LS430 because it's too old and lacks the technology I want in a car. So it's between the LS460 and the Avalon. The LS460 is a much better car, but it's a little older and will potentially cost more to repair. Can you shoulder those costs? If you can't put your hands on $3,000 at a moments notice for a repair, I would get the Avalon."
No Comparison
On the other hand, there's simply no choice better than Lexus for DedBirdDog. "There simply is no comparison between the Avalon and the LS. The LS is so much more car that the comparison just isn't in the same league. If you want to have a direct Avalon comparison, go look at an ES350. How long do you plan to keep it? If you are thinking years, go with the LS. You won't be sorry. I'd limit it to 2011+ models for sure, and if you can swing a 2013+ I'd do that. I'm not knocking the Avalon, but it just isn't the car the LS is. No way."
Just Fix It
The same applies to sha4000, who can't even fathom choosing the Avalon over the LS, even if it means higher repair costs. "Lots of good and practical advice given already, but based on your last post I would say get the LS and if something needs fixing just fix it. Don't even think about going to the dealer except for maybe diagnosing a potential issue. Find a trusted shop in your area and shop online for OEM or aftermarket parts, which will save you tons of money."
Modern Dilemma
For most, it comes down to whether or not you're willing to spring the extra cash for the 460 and taking on the risk of potential repair costs associated with the brake actuator, control arms, and air ride suspension. But in return, you're getting a much more modern ride, as rmawyer points out. "The 460s are obviously a generation ahead of the 430. If you can budget for control arms and brake actuator failure, or find one with the arms already done, then the 460 is the way to go."
Needle in a Haystack
The problem, of course, is that both generations of LS are still bringing big money these days. Blame it on their stellar reputation, of course. But that doesn't mean there aren't some good values to be found, and the OP eventually uses all this great advice and locates just what he's looking for.
Happy Ending
It took a lot of research, but thanks to the help of many Club Lexus members, our OP found the perfect car for his needs. "Thanks for all the advice and opinions guys! I purchased a 2005 LS430 Ultra Luxury with 70,000 miles for $10,500. My goal was to spend $10,000 but I made an exception for this one. It's silver with a black interior. The car is in excellent condition with only one small scuff that I will buff and polish out."
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